Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM preview

The latest in the L series, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is an ideal transtandard lens for reporting and can also make a good choice for portraiture. Versatile, it can also function as a macro with a reproduction ratio of 0.7x, Canon having worked hard to optimally match up the optical elements.

The optical formula of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM integrates two aspherical and two UD glass lenses as well as an ultra-low dispersion lens, and benefits from a Super Spectra coating to ensure optimal contrast by fighting against glare and ghosting.

As an L series lens, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM’s optical formula is particularly well thought-out. Although many observers expected simply a stabilized version of the 24-70mm f/2.8, this stabilized 24-70mm sees the light of day at f/4. This more modest aperture will be less likely to generate a blurry background than if Canon had opted for f/2.8, but the lens still counts nine circular diaphragm blades with which to handle the bokeh.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM embeds Canon’s latest hybrid optical image stabilization system, resulting in a gain of 4 stops, and iable to correct angular displacement and shift during macro photography. Its autofocus is powered by a USM system that allows for continuous adjustment.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM’s finish is consistent with L series standards, and the zoom and the focus rings have been redesigned. The lens is tropicalized and resists both dust and moisture. It is possible to lock lens deployment while traveling, and both front and back lenses have been treated with a fluorine protective coating to keep them clean even in light rain or in dusty conditions.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM will be available in January 2013 at a price of 1,699 euros.

Further readings for the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM preview

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Introduced in November 2012 as the proposed ‘kit’ lens for the EOS 6D, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens represents an interesting move for Canon – despite two well respected lenses in this category, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM and the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM hopes to offer a compact, lightweight lens suitable for the newly created lightweight, full-frame camera segment. The red L-series band offers the promise of professional performance, but does it live up to the expectations?

Back in September Canon introduced the EOS 6D, its entry into the nascent 'compact, lightweight' full frame SLR segment. With the launch of the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, Canon has now revealed what's destined to be its 'kit' lens. The newcomer is relatively compact in size to match the ethos of the 6D body design, but sports the company's premium 'L' series designation. However this comes with a price tag that's sure to make more than a few Canon users catch their breath - we've been told the the RRP will be $1499 / £1499.99 / €1459. What remains to be seen, though, is how much it will cost in a kit with the 6D body.

I do not believe

because your tests are so far from reality?http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=823&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=805&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=2

First replies for this comment

Re: I do not believe

Quote:

<div id="linkdxomark">This a comment for <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Camera-Lens-Database/Canon/Canon-EF-24-70mm-F4L-IS-USM">this page on the website</a></div>because your tests are so far from reality?http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=823&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=805&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=2

Re: I do not believe

Interesting point but you have to remember you're not really comparing apples to apples here. The link you provided compares a Canon f/4 VS Sigma f/2.8 which isn't a true apple's to apple's comparison. More like a peach and orange.

DXO Lab tests thousands of lenses under Strict controlled environments, I highly doubt they're fluffing up the test results. PLUS "IF" they were...what are they gaining from doing so?